Topic Summary

With Chipotle’s growing dominance in the fast-casual dining industry, its emphasis on fresh ingredients and customizable meals, and its widespread cultural relevance among consumers and influencers alike, the company’s current trajectory presents both promising opportunities and urgent, unpredictable risks—from viral social media backlash and declining consumer trust to operational inconsistencies and increasing competition. Through a modern, crisis-driven lens, this committee will focus on Chipotle’s struggle to maintain its brand reputation and financial stability amid a rapidly evolving digital and consumer landscape.

This committee will be situated within the interactions between Chipotle’s Board of Directors and a diverse array of stakeholders, including corporate executives, social media influencers, competitors, analysts, and consumer advocates, each with competing interests and priorities. While responding to fast-moving and tangible crises, delegates will grapple with broader questions of corporate accountability, marketing ethics, labor practices, and the power of social media in shaping public perception.

Director’s Letter, Chipotle Board of Directors

Dear Delegates,

It is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you to the Chipotle Board of Directors. Over the course of the weekend, I look forward to facilitating a dynamic, creative, and solutions-oriented debate as we navigate the strategic challenges facing one of the most recognizable brands in the fast-casual industry. I am excited to watch you grow as delegates and to see the innovative approaches you bring to this unique committee setting.

My name is Roberto Carmona, and I am a sophomore at Harvard College studying Social Studies, with a secondary in Arabic and Italian. I was born and raised in Cuba, and Model United Nations has played a central role in my life—it is actually how I learned English. After immigrating to the United States at age 14, MUN became a critical space for developing the fluency and confidence I could not gain through translation tools alone. What began as a way to adapt quickly to a new environment has since become one of my greatest passions.

In high school, I competed with Miami’s top-ranked Model UN team, earning accolades across the Florida circuit. At Harvard, I am now a member of the Intercollegiate Model UN Team, which has allowed me to travel across the country engaging in the activity I enjoy most. Outside of MUN, I enjoy reading and writing, especially Latin American Literature.

At Harvard, I am involved with the Cuban American Undergraduate Association, the Institute of Politics, and International Relations on Campus. Last summer, I interned at the European Parliament for MEP Brando Benifei, where I developed my understanding of transatlantic relations between Europe and the United States.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at any point. I am here to support you both inside and outside of the committee. I look forward to seeing your ideas in action.

Sincerely,


Roberto Carmona

Director, Chipotle Board of Directors

crisis@hnmun.org

Crisis DirectoR’s Letter, Chipotle Board of Directors

It is my honor to welcome you to the Harvard National Model United Nations 2027! I am incredibly excited to meet all of you and to see the creativity, strategy, and leadership you will bring to committee throughout the weekend. This committee will place you in the middle of high-pressure corporate decision-making, where every choice you make could shape the future of one of the world’s most recognizable brands. I hope this conference challenges you to think critically, collaborate effectively, and fully immerse yourselves in the fast-paced nature of crisis.

My name is Yavuz Atlamaz, and I am a sophomore at Harvard College pursuing a joint concentration in Government and Philosophy, with a secondary in History. I come from the great state of Indiana, and Model United Nations has been an essential part of my life for the past five years. Through MUN, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my passion for debate, negotiation, and problem-solving while meeting incredible people from around the world. Now at Harvard, I continue that passion as a member of the Intercollegiate Model UN Team, and I’m thrilled to serve as your crisis director for HNMUN 2027.

Outside of MUN, I’m a huge sports fan, especially basketball, soccer, and football, and I love exploring national parks and riding roller coasters whenever I get the chance. At Harvard, I’m also involved with the Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative, the MENA branch of the Global Affairs Program, and the Harvard International Review, all of which have deepened my interests in international affairs, politics, and writing.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions before the conference. I’m looking forward to seeing the innovative ideas and chaotic boardroom dynamics that will emerge throughout the committee, and I cannot wait for an unforgettable weekend with all of you in Boston.

Sincerely,

Yavuz Atlamaz

Crisis Director, Chipotle Board of Directors

crisis@hnmun.org